Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Summary: With
nothing to do, a mouse, a frog, a snail, and a sparrow decide to have a courage
competition. The title question is what is heard when each animal announces their
daring feat. First they are judgmental, but then they begin to understand. Because
of their differences, what is easily done by one is brave for another. As each
animal is brave and successful, the others are affirming. The sparrow’s choice
is more subtle. Her bravery is in facing peer pressure, the expectation that
she too should engage in a courageous task. She simply refuses to do anything.
It takes a moment, but the other animals catch on and affirm her even in her
non-compliance.

Hanna’s Comments: My summary doesn’t do this book justice. It is clever, the
illustrations are marvelous (You will definitely laugh!), and kids will love
it, adults too! There are many things to talk about here: refraining from impulsive
judgement, trying loving empathy instead, being creative in your thinking, not
succumbing to peer pressure, and especially being affirming when others are brave.

Original American Publisher & Date of Publication: North-south Books,
2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present, Originally in German titled Mutig, Mutig

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous; do not be
terrified (Joshua 1:9); judge not, and you will not be judged (Luke 6:37); do
not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment (John 7:24)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or
youth when talking about refraining from judging others and instead being
empathic while affirming others’ efforts.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Summary: Jeremy
longs for “those shoes”, the ones featured on the big billboard, the ones many other
boys are wearing. He especially yearns for them when one of his shoes falls
apart at school and he is given a pair of kiddie shoes from the guidance
counselor’s box. His classmates laugh at him, but not Antonio. When Jeremy and
his grandmother go shoe shopping, they discover the price is too steep. They search
at local thrift shops and find a pair. They are tight, but Jeremy is thrilled anyway
and takes them home, hoping they will stretch. They don’t stretch, and he gets
sores on his feet. He has to resort to wearing the kiddie shoes again. Meanwhile,
Jeremy and Antonio become friends. Jeremy notices that Antonio has duct tape
holding his shoes together. When Antonio visits Jeremy’s house, he sees “those
shoes” and asks Jeremy why he doesn’t wear them. Jeremy shrugs. The next
morning Jeremy tries on the too tight shoes one more time and then secretly
leaves them on Antonio’s stoop. At school, Jeremy has mixed feelings when
Antonio shows up with those shoes on until Antonio quietly thanks Jeremy.

Hanna’s Comments: This story gets to the heart of issues that many children and
teens struggle with, consumerism, brand consciousness, and desiring what peers
have. Usually, the crux of these matters are coveting, idolatry, and gluttony,
all very human and very common problems that are addressed directly in
scripture. I believe it’s good to talk with children directly about these
issues, but be honest, not preachy. Confess that these issues don’t go away in
childhood. In fact, they often get bigger, more expensive, and more damaging.
Share honestly with the children in your faith family about how you personally struggle
with status items, coveting, or consumerism. Then talk about confession and
repentance. Give them hope for an abundant life that doesn’t involve jealousy,
obsession, or being manipulated by marketing.

Scripture Connections: You shall not covet anything that is your
neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17); you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly to
spend it on your passions (James 4:3); little children, keep yourselves from
idols (1 John 5:21)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who
are learning about the struggles of coveting, idolatry, and consumerism.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Summary: A
father and young daughter are on a long car trip. She wants a story about, “When
God was a little girl.” Thus begins a father’s imaginative retelling of the
creation stories from Genesis. The personified God here likes to do art
projects, giggles a lot, loves to sing colors into being, and invites the
humans she creates to be echoes of the divine while they create and sing the
names of all of the earth’s creatures.

Hanna’s Comments: I was delighted to see this title on the storypath blog. You’ll
find a link to that blog on my blog list here. My library didn’t have this book
so I ordered it immediately. I was not disappointed! I love the artsy emphasis with both the music and the craft angles that children will enjoy. I especially
appreciate how the young female images of God change in race and age. This is a
wonderful book for expanding the image of God in a way that is non-threatening
and delightful. Use it to consider other possibilities for expanding God’s
image and encourage your audience to consider what these images have in common
and what attributes for God are out of bounds for your group. Resources to
supplement this book are at www.WhenGodWasaLittleGirl.com.
At the back, the author and illustrator offer some details about their
inspirations for this picture book.

Hanna’s Comments: In the Authors Note,
Tomie de Paola explains that this book was inspired by two pieces of Old Testament
scripture: The Canticle of the Three Young Men from the Book of Daniel and
Psalm 148. He has purposefully made it like a children’s song. The
illustrations are inspired by folk art designs of the Otomi people of Puebla,
Mexico.

Scripture Connections: Praise the Lord…Praise him, sun and moon… (Psalm
148); let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the
fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (Hebrews 13:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when teaching
them about worship and praise to God.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Summary: In
their basement, Anett and her parents are hiding two Jews from the Nazis in
1943 Denmark. When Anett brings their breakfast down, she relies on their
whispers in the dark to guide and comfort her. As she desires items for them
from the town’s merchants, she whispers, “We have new friends. Then the
merchants give a few items. Each time Anett ventures outside, she sees Nazi
soldiers looking for hidden Jews. The Nazis threaten to arrest anyone who is
hiding Jews. Because the Nazi presence is increasing, the Jews must leave at night with no local escort to the harbor where a boat will be waiting for their escape.
How will they find their way? Anett remembers how the whispers guide her to the
basement and suggests that the townspeople, along the desired route, stand at
their doorways and use whispered voices to guide the Jews to the harbor. This plan works. “This
way,” is repeatedly whispered and guides the Jews as they walk to the harbor.

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in
the back of the book gives the historical context of this story and explains
that it is based on true events in the small fishing village of Gilleleje,
Denmark. I have considered featuring a book on Anne Frank this month because it
is the 70th anniversary of her death. However, I couldn’t find a picture
book that balanced her heartbreaking story with her own statements of hope and
faith in people. I encourage you to continue to look for that kind of book in
your local library or simply tell Anne Frank’s story as a supplement and contrast
to the book featured here. Anne Frank hid in an upper set of rooms in
Amsterdam, Holland. Tweens and teens easily identify with Anne Frank’s story. There
are reference books about her that will help you tell her story and show
pictures. Also, there are many videos including the only known video of Anne
Frank. She is looking out a window. Find it on Youtube.com. It is quite moving. Miep Gies, one of the protectors of Anne Frank and her family, has been interviewed many times. You'll find her story on Youtube as well. It is one of courage, humility, and sacrifice.

Scripture Connections: I will hope continually and will praise you
yet more and more (Psalm 71:14); abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good
(Romans 12:9); welcome one another… for the glory of God (Romans 15:7); if one
member suffers, all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26a); now faith is the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and consider telling the story of
Anne Frank to older elementary or youth who are learning about concepts of
faith, hope, and reliance on others in difficult times. This book also easily
connects with spiritual concepts such as discernment, particularly discernment
through the guidance of others, and the power of community.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Summary: A
young grandson goes to stay with his Nana in the city. He loves his Nana, but not
her city. It is too loud, busy, and therefore scary. He is worried that Nana
should not be living in such a place, but Nana loves the city. She says it is
the perfect place for her to live because it is so extraordinary. During the
night when he can’t sleep because of the city noises, Nana promises to show him
the wonders of her city. Nana doesn’t go to bed. She knits instead. When her
grandson wakes, she has made a red cape for him to wear as they explore the
city. Once she places the cape on him, he feels brave. As they tour the city,
it is still loud and busy, but it is not filled with scary things after all. It
is filled with extraordinary things! A few days later as he prepares to leave,
he drapes the cape onto his Nana and says, “This will keep you brave,” knowing
that even though the city is loud and busy, it is the perfect place for Nana.

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the sweet story this book offers your audience, it
also offers you the opportunity to talk about what children must be equipped
with to face the world and what your faith community offers your children to
insulate them from the damage stresses and fears can do. This book could be
read to children and followed with a discussion about what the cape symbolizes
in the story. Then have them share what they do to dispel their fears. Be sure
to mention memorizing and reciting scripture, prayer, being in community, and religious
beliefs that bring comfort in fearful times such as a belief in God’s constant
presence. You could also use this book in a parenting class and have a similar discussion.
What should parents do to equip their children for fearful or stressful times?
How does being a person of faith influence these strategies? A key aspect of
this for parents will be modeling faithful courage. Discuss how parents might do
this? Talk about how resilience can be grounded in community, faith, and hope.

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through dark valleys, I
fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); God comforts us in our
affliction so that we may comfort those in any affliction (2nd
Corinthians 1:4); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I can do
all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of children or parents.
Then follow with a discussion as described above in my comments.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Summary: On
the first page of this extraordinary book, Junior is being interviewed on
camera. He has just been pulled out of the rubble that was his home prior to
the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Junior explains that while he was trapped and
afraid, he missed his family but he was brave too. In his mind, he played. Each
double page spread that follows chronologically takes the reader through the
memories of play that Junior clings to from the first day to the eighth day
when he is rescued. These imaginings help Junior survive. In many of his pretend
memories, Junior plays beside his friend Oscar, who is with him in the rubble.
On the fifth day, during a memory of playing soccer with Oscar, “Oscar felt
very tired and went to sleep. He never woke up. That was the day I cried.” Two
more days of beautiful memories follow, memories of a pre-earthquake Haiti that
no longer exists.

Hanna’s Comments: Before reading this book, explain to your audience that the days
of activities that Junior engages in are pretend memories that help him cope as
he waits in the rubble to be rescued. Also, tenderly warn them of the death of
Alex, likely beside Junior as they wait. Be sure to point out to your audience
that Junior is not an actual person, but he symbolically represents not only
the many who were trapped and rescued because of the earthquake, but the entire
nation of Haiti. A Note from the Author
in the back gives context to the earthquake. Why do I offer such a
heartbreaking story for you to read to children or youth? Because I believe
such stories build compassion, empathy, and resilience. Talk about how Junior’s
good memories of the Haiti he knew before the quake, may have kept him from giving
up and likely kept him strong as he waited.

I
would also highly recommend these books about Haiti: Hope for Haiti by Jesse Joshua Watson, also about children after
the 2010 earthquake, and Selavi: A
Haitian Story of Hope by Youme, a book written before the earthquake about
orphaned children who together create a children’s radio station, Radyo Timoun,
which is still in operation today. There are also several non-fiction books
about Haiti and the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your
God is with you (Joshua 1:9); oh Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
(Psalm 39:7); they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength… (Isaiah
40:31); fear not for I am with you… I will strengthen you… (Isaiah 41:10); God
gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy
1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary or
middle school children who are learning about how to faithfully respond to fear
in challenging circumstances. Or Read this to a group of people going on a
mission trip to Haiti.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Summary: What
the title two characters lack in ferocity they make up for in determination. They
are inexperienced in fighting so they each do some reading. The knight builds
his armor and weapons while the dragon practices his tail swishing and mean
faces. The knight rehearses his jousting while the dragon improves his fire
breathing. Invitations are sent, and a time is set to fight. Their first confrontation
ends with them missing each other completely. Their second meeting lands one in
a tree and the other in a pond. Meanwhile, the castle librarian, who has been
watching their failures, suggests an alternative endeavor for both. She gives
the dragon a book for cooking outdoors and the knight an instruction manual on
how to build a barbeque. Together they open a new eating venue, K & D
Bar-B-Q. The story ends with them serving happy customers.

Hanna’s Comments: This twist on a medieval tale can encourage the children in
your family of faith to talk about why human beings do what they do even when
it feels unnatural or wrong. These two characters seem to be going against
their natures. Fortunately, the librarian is intuitive and nurturing enough to
see where their passions and skills might lead to productive results rather
than destruction. Not only does this book offer commentary on violence, but it
also speaks to humans questioning what is expected and assessing how they can
best use their inclinations and gifts for the greater good.

Scripture Connections: Ask what does the Lord require of you but
to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8); seek ye first
the kingdom of God… (Matthew 6:33); do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind… so that you may discern what is the
will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or youth as
a part of a lesson on discerning your talents and desires despite what the world
seems to expect.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Summary: Three
baby owls wake up one night and are surprised that Mama Owl is gone. As the night
continues and their fears grow, they huddle together to wait, and a pattern
emerges in their thoughts and words because, “Owls think a lot”. Sarah, the
largest and always the first to speak tries to be reassuring. Percy, the older
brother, agrees with his sister. But baby owl Bill simply says, “I want my
mommy!” Finally, when Mommy comes back, she reminds the three that she always
returns. Sarah and Percy say they knew she was coming back. Bill ends the book
with, “I love my Mommy.”

Hanna’s Comments: I like this simple tale because it comically offers a very
real problem for young children and considers their fears of abandonment
tenderly and deliberately. At first the two older owls engage in encouragement,
hope, and positive self-talk which are smart emotional approaches when afraid.
Each of these represent faith in their Mommy. Then they huddle together which helps too, especially when you are imagining terrible possibilities. When
their fears are expressed, their fears grow. Lastly, they close their eyes and
wish their mother present. This is a sort of prayer. When Mama Owl arrives,
there is much flapping and dancing in relief, a celebration. She offers
reassurance. Sarah and Percy become a little self-defensive about their doubts.
However, little Bill offers authentic and loving affirmation. Be sure to allow
your audience to talk about how they respond to fear and what strategies are
most reassuring for them. Tie in concepts of faith and prayer when you can.

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous; do not be
terrified (Joshua 1:9); oh most high, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you…
(Psalm 56:2b-4); the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this picture book to a group of young children in a lesson on fear and how to rely on God through faithful, positive
self-talk and prayer.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Summary: After
a rainstorm, Little Rabbit’s mother says that soon they will see a rainbow. Little
Rabbit asks the title question, and a series of animals help his mother
explain. This is a Magic Ribbon Book which means that as you turn the page, a
ribbon of a particular color drapes across the double page spread. In this case,
ribbons of the colors of the rainbow are revealed each page turn. The book ends
with Little Rabbit declaring the 3 things needed for a rainbow: rain, colors,
and sunshine.

Hanna’s Comments: If this book is too immature for your audience, you’ll find
lots of books about rainbows in the library some of which will emphasize the
science behind the phenomenon which is always a nice addition to a lesson for
children. You might want to teach the children in your audience the song, I Can Sing a Rainbow which is available on
ITunes. This author and illustrator have another Magic Ribbon Book which you
may want to consider. It’s called What
Makes Music?

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Piggy Toes Press,
2000

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages:
14

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present, but you’ll find plenty of videos
on Youtube.com on how a rainbow is made or describing how to do a science
experiment about rainbows or light refraction.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Summary:
Inspiring the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s is just one
component of this song’s rich history. The lyrics serve as part of the illustrations
to the story of the song. The book begins by explaining how American slaves
sang to soothe their suffering and to declare that they were human beings. It
goes on to explain that once slavery ended black people in America were not
really free. Believing their circumstances could get better, they still sang
and they began protesting. A church song, I
Will Overcome, was adapted and heard by Martin Luther King, Jr. who took
the song as he worked for civil rights. Many important events of the Civil
Rights Movement are mentioned here, including the sit-ins and the march in
Washington D.C. I had not known of the Freedom Singers, who traveled all over
America singing in places such as high schools, concert halls, and even jails.
The book goes on to explain how the song traveled to South Africa to fuel the
movement against apartheid. It traveled to other places in the world, wherever
people longed for a better life and wanted to sing their determination. The
book culminates in 2008 when this song was very present as Barak Obama was
elected president of the United States.

Hanna’s Comments: This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of the
Civil Rights March from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL, just down the highway from
my home. Surely this song was sung many times as they walked. I salute them
today with this small offering of a book that celebrates their work. Even as a
middle class white woman, I know I have been richly blessed by the courage, efforts, and sacrifices of those marchers. I especially thank them for the spiritual context
that many of them gave to their struggle. In the back of this book, there is an
informative timeline, noting important milestones in the life of this song. Also,
you’ll find a list of sources, suggestions for further reading, and links to
recordings of the song.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Jump at the Sun, 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1st and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present for this book, but you’ll
find many videos of this song being sung on-line.

Scripture Connections: Seek the Lord and the Lord’s strength… (1
Chronicles 16:11); ask what does the Lord require of you but to do justice,
love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8); suffering produces
endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-5); blessed is the one
who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12);

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning
about modern religious heroes or how music, as a tool in worship or elsewhere, can
inspire work for social justice and political change.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Summary: In
this book of riddles and enchanting paintings of animals’ eyes, a simple
question is asked, “Whose eyes are these?” Thus the beautiful and distinctive
attributes of a variety of species are offered for amazement and contemplation
while giving God the credit for such wonderful designs. The introduction
explains that readers are about to go on a sight-seeing safari. The answers are
surreptitiously given in upside down text on the page. You’ll also find a
mirror at the end for your children to gaze into their own eyes and think about
their perfect design.

Hanna’s Comments: There are other books with this title that are similar
though they use photographs rather than paintings. I like this one because I can
consider it a “God book” since there is an introduction by Rev. Bern Brunsting,
and in one of the animal riddles you’ll find, “God made me just right,” a
phrase I suggest you have your audience repeat after each animal description.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Summary: This
is a board book with the lyrics of the chorus to this fun song. In case you
don’t know it, here are those lyrics:

You are my sunshine,

My only sunshine.

You make me happy when
skies are gray.

You’ll never know, dear,
how much I love you.

Please don’t take my
sunshine away.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a 2nd PBT Dynamic Duo offering. The
subtitle of yesterday’s book is the title of today’s book and a popular
American song. Long ago, I learned this fun song at church camp where we loved
to sing it in a variety of silly renditions. The song was first recorded in the
1930s as a country song, but it has been covered by so many singers and sung in
various contexts that it is more like an American folk song now. The verses are
a little more mature than the chorus and are about romantic love so it makes
sense that only the chorus would be offered for young children, but don’t limit
the application of this idea to just young children. If a board book is
inappropriate, simply offer the song via a different method. We sang the first
verse at my church camp. It was a fun, non-threatening way to sing about romantic
love with fellow adolescents in an environment awash with Christ’s love. Check
out the verses by watching one of the many versions you’ll find on Youtube.com.

I
don’t say this often enough: Many of the books I offer and conversations I
encourage here at PBT can be enjoyed at home with a parent/grandparent and
child. This is a perfect example. Read the Toot and Puddle Book offered
yesterday. Sing You are My Sunshine, if you have the book or not. Then talk about how God’s love shines on and
through all of us when the skies outside are gray or blue and whether we are
feeling blue (or even a little gray).

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Cartwheel Books,
2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages:
12

Available in Spanish? Not at present but there is a nice video of the
song being sung in Spanish on Youtube.com.

Formats other than Book: There are many videos of this song on
Youtube.com though they are not related to this book.

Scripture Connections: The Lord make his face to shine upon you and
be gracious to you (Numbers 6:1b); arise, shine, for you light has come, and
the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1); Jesus said, “I am the
light of the world. (John 8:12a); …now you are light in the Lord. Walk as
children of light. (Ephesians 5:8b);

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when doing a young children’s
lesson on how God’s light shines through us, Jesus is the light of the world, or
how love between people can be like a sunshine.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Summary: It’s beautiful day, but Toot is
moping. When Puddle asks about his sadness, Toot is unable to explain. When
Tulip points out that the sky is blue, Puddle explains, “That doesn’t matter
when you are blue too.” Toot’s moping continues, and he begins complaining to Puddle
about his physical features. Puddle makes Toot’s favorite dessert and suggests
an adventure, but these don’t help. Puddle invites friends over. They sing You Are My Sunshine and play a game, but
Toot is still sad. On Sunday morning a severe storm comes; all are afraid but
Toot. Afterwards, the air feels fresh and new, and Toot is himself again. Toot
and Puddle decide that sometimes you need, “a big whopping thunderstorm to
clear the air.”

Hanna’s Comments: Being able to identify and understand feelings are important
social-emotional skills. Still, the source of some feelings remain a mystery. It’s
also important for children to learn to accept how others are feeling and not
require explanations. Everyone has a right to their own feelings and privacy.
However, there is nothing wrong with offering opportunities for emotional
shifts as long as no one is forced. Having a conversation about such matters
would be beneficial in a classroom, religious community, or family. You can
make this a theological conversation by asserting that God accepts our feelings.
In fact, God made us creatures who have an assortment of feelings. God is
willing to listen no matter how we are feeling. Even when we can’t put our
feelings into words, just being in God’s presence in prayer will help. This
book is a sequel to Toot and Puddle
which is a wonderful book about how friendship knows no boundaries. I chose
this book because I liked the way the plot carefully introduces the subject of sadness
or depression to children. Tomorrow I’ll offer a second book in this PBT
Dynamic Duo that is the lyrics to the song You
are My Sunshine, an element of this book’s plot. Consider pairing them and
having a conversation with children about feelings, particularly sadness.

Scripture Connections: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and
saves the crushed spirit. (Psalm 34:18); the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness… (Galatians 5:22); Is anyone among you
hurting? Let them pray. Is anyone among you cheerful? Let them sing praise.
(James 5:13)

Idea(s) for Application: This book and tomorrow’s book could be components
of a lesson on feelings, particularly accepting the feelings of others and how
we can always bring our feelings, even when we don’t understand them, to God.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Summary:
This is a classic version of a well-known fable. In this version, the tortoise
challenges the hare to a race. Other animals gather round to see the race. They
expect it to be over quickly with the hare winning easily. Only the wise owl
suspects they might be surprised. Once the rooster starts the race, the hare
takes off and the tortoise moves slowly and steadily. The hare becomes too
confident and is easily side-tracked by stuffing himself with food and then
taking a nap. The tortoise is steadfast and committed, despite being worn out, and passes the sleeping
hare. The hare wakes just as the tortoise is about to cross the finish line.
Once he wins, the tortoise explains how his slow and steady pace had won the
race despite the hare’s superior speed.

Hanna’s Comments: There are multiple versions of this fable in picture book
form. I like this book because it is big and illustrations are vibrant. If you
need to choose another version, note that sometimes the tortoise is listed
first in the title. How does this relate to spirituality or our Holy
Scriptures? Think of verses about patience or perseverance. Another angle is to
use this book to help your children explore how we each have individual
strengths that are blessed by God and intended for good work. You could also
use this book in a lesson on Paul, focusing on the race he writes about it 2nd
Timothy 4:7.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Oxford University Press,
1966

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and over, Pre and over

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? There are Spanish versions of this fable,
but I couldn’t find any of this particular picture book.

Formats other than Book: There are videos of this fable, but I couldn’t
find any of this particular picture book.

Scripture Connections: Suffering produces endurance and endurance
produces character… (Romans 5: 3-5); rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation…
(Romans 12:12); let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will
reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9); I have fought the good fight. I
have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7); blessed is the
one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who
are learning about patience, perseverance, being steadfast, or human
individuality.

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